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Battery conversion

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PeteD1003

Freshman Member
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Hi all,

I am new to the MG world and have a lot of questions, but first I would like to thank all of the people here that help others out.

I will be getting my first MG on Friday of this week, it is a 1972 MGB GT. The first thing that I know it will need is new batteries, this is where I have some questions. I have been trying the search function here but little success. I would rather not pay $250 for 2 new 6v batteries, I have seen people talking about converting to a single 12v battery, but can not find any info or instructions for this. Could anyone help direct me in the proper direction to start this process?

This is going to be a 2 year project for my son and I.

Thank You
Pete
 
WOW, I am shocked that noone has given me any direction as were to look. As far as I can tell the search function only goes back 6 months or so, and I have read all of those.

Anyone???

Thanks
Pete
 
Hi, Pete - welcome to the BCF.

Not sure how you slipped through the cracks. However, I converted my '73 B a while back. Will check when I get home to get you the battery type.

Mickey
 
Pete, you can use either a Group 25 or Group 26 battery placed in the passenger battery box remove the linking cable and mount a new ground wire off the back of the box and run positive from front of car to battery positive post. It's very easy.
HL
 
Just checked - mine's a 26R3.
 
Thanks Guys, I am waiting up late as the little MGB will be showing up with in the hour to my driveway. What a great way to start the long weekend off...
 
Welcome Pete! I know everyone has their favorite models, mine is the recessed grill series, as in the 72 like yours, as is ours. Good luck with your, "new", car. You have now joined the unique, "Family", of British car owners! Someone told me once why we, the British car owners are pretty close and stick together. First it's a sickness that's hard to cure and also misery likes company! :devilgrin: PJ
 
Yes, converted my '69 MGB to single group 26 battery.
Works fine.
I use the original + cable to + side of the battery.
I bought a new - (negative) cable about 16" long (I think) and bolted it to a solid part of the unibody in the battery area.
 
One thing you might want to consider if your car is going to sit a lot of the time is a Westco absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery. These were the original Mazda Miata battery type and the Westco's are very popular with the Miata crowd. They have a much lower discharge rate than a regular flooded cell battery and will likely last much longer. I have one in my '71 BGT. They do cost more than regular batteries (here's one for $100 https://www.gomiata.com/wessealbat.html ) but I think they're worth it. They are VERY small so are easy to get in and out, though you'll probably need to fabricate something to hold it in place.
 
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